Friday, November 27, 2015

Veteran Rescue, as a non-profit, doing good work, needs your support! As do the veterans!

Team

Meet the Veteran Rescue Team eager to help you in whichever way they can.
ALL VOLUNTEERS: NONE COMPENSATED

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Christi “Wildcat” Hubbard:

christi@veteranrescue.org



For all in kind donations, please contact us beforehand if you would like to know specific items needed, available space (in terms of large office or pet supplies), or information on transportation and delivery.

We also take monetary donations. Please see the Donations Made Easy page, use the recurring donation buttons on the side or contact us for more options.

For all that you donate to Veteran Rescue, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. Every donation is a sign that you care and that you are here to support not only Veteran Rescue, but the animals we take care of and the Veterans we work with. Let us show that we care about what you have done for us, by continuing to provide high quality care and love to the people and pets we encounter daily.
Thank you,

Everyone at Veteran Rescue

Owner at Animal Rescue & Veteran Support Services, Corp. © (Veteran Rescue)® “A Warrior’s Sanctuary.”
Owner at Wildcat’s Sanctuary and Ranch, Corp. © “Ask For The Best, Ask For Wildcat!”    
Owner at Home For Heroes ® is a registered trademark of Home For Heroes Productions, LLC.© “United We Stand, Divided We Fail.”
Owner at For Love of Books, Corp. © ” Where your imagination reigns.”
Executive Director
Ms. Hubbard was raised on a small ten acre farm in the woods of Brooksville, Florida, with lots of animals. She’s actively cared for a variety of pets since she was a small child. These early experiences impacted her in a profound way. Later, she noticed a distinct lack of animal care in her area when owners traveled on vacation. The owners often boarded their pets with a vet, typically in cages. Wildcat asked, “Who wants to stay in a cage all day?” The answer – No one!
She has handled horses, rabbits, ferrets, cats, dogs, birds, hamsters and gerbils. Years ago, Christi discovered an ability to catch and hold any animal whether feral or domestic, regardless of bites and claws. She’s also hand raised animal babies that were abandoned, sick or just taken too soon from their mother to ensure their health and well being. Her love of animals is partially the reason she earned the moniker “Wildcat”.  She also showed the tenacity of a wild cat in her fighting techniques during her police academy training, so “Wildcat” was a natural fit.
Throughout her adult life, Ms. Hubbard has gained a lot of different understanding through a lot of diverse work experiences. Ms. Hubbard has worked in Law Enforcement, and has two associates degree, one in Law Enforcement and the other in Criminology. She has earned multiple certificates and gathered a long line of military connections, which include her dad, a Marine, her nephew in the Air Force, a cousin and brother in law both in the Army. A father in law also retired from the Navy. Wildcat Hubbard worked for three years for the local Sheriffs office. For fifteen years, she worked as a receptionist, then two years as a teller. After that, she spent five years in security. She’s also done house and pet sitting and volunteering.  She used to work for Waldenbooks as Keyholder, Book Seller, and Assistant Manager fill in for over 2 years.
Ms. Hubbard’s love of books has been evident throughout her life, through her experience in working in bookstores and a collection of books contained within her non-profit that spans over 6,000 titles. It wasn’t until after she published her own books, Helpful Tips for Any Type of Business and Helpful Tips for Any Type of Business Part II: The expanded Edition that For Love of Books became a solid idea.
For Love of Books plans on opening a brick and mortar shop and for now, the only titles available are a limited selection. However, joining our mailing list will keep you up to date with the latest news on For Love of Books and any new arrivals. http://forloveofbooks.com/
Jaime 2 

WILLIAMSON, JAMES M  Florida
jamie@veteranrescue.org
Colonel, Retired Jamie Williamson has enjoyed a successful military career spanning thirty-three years. A native of Delaware and graduate of University of Delaware’s ROTC program, he was commissioned a Lieutenant of Infantry in 1982. Williamson served as a rifle platoon leader and Executive Officer in the 1/36 INF Germany and then as a Company Commander in the 2/505 PIR, 82d Airborne Division in North Carolina. 1988 Williamson volunteered for Special Forces. Graduating the Special Forces Qualification Course in 1989, Williamson went on to serve as a Detachment Commander on an ODA in 10th Special Forces Group (ABN). He was subsequently assigned as Group Plans Officer and Special Projects in the Gulf War and subsequent humanitarian actions in Southwest Asia before leaving active duty as a Captain for the private sector in 1992.
Williamson remained an active reservist in a variety of Special Forces joint and combined assignments at NATO, SOCCENT, USSOCOM, and other special operations units. Assignments have included A/3/11 SFG(A), SOCCENT J-5 Plans (Special Activities), US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Counter Narco Terrorism Officer, J3X and J2X Counter Intelligence, A Squadron Commander, Joint Support Activity (JSA),  and most recently, as Deputy Commander, Joint Operations Support Element (JOSE). He has an extensive background in surveillance, counter surveillance, operational intelligence and source operations.
He is a combat veteran of several conflicts and has served in the US and overseas to include Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and other overseas locations. He retired in June 2012.
Mr. Williamson holds a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Delaware with a major in Political Science. He holds a Master’s Degree in Government Contracting from George Washington University. He is a graduate of the US Army Command & General Staff College. He is a member of the Special Forces Association (SFA) and the Association For Intelligence Officers (AFIO).
jamiew@gemcorp.us    813.960.0455 office         813.205.1576 cell
jamie18A  Skype

GEM Corporate Bio & Capabilities
Global Executive Management, Inc., GEM, is a Florida Subchapter S corporation and a Veteran Owned Small Business. GEM is pending its Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business status. GEM has operated successfully and profitably since August 2002 serving private industry and the US Department of Defense. GEM provides innovative solutions custom tailored to meet the dynamic needs of our customers. We support the focused training and operational requirements of US Special Operations Forces and the Intelligence Community. GEM’s core competencies include Business Development Consulting, Temporary Personnel Services (SMEs), Training, Foreign Language Services, and IT & Cyber Security, Architecture & Engineering (A&E) and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Services. GEM is an ideal business partner as a small business prime or as a subcontractor. Our depth of experience delivers professional results to the US government and military as well as private industry.
JACK PAGANO, Florida

VP Production
jack@veteranrescue.org
jackp1957@gmail.com

For almost 6 years Jack has been in the Afghanistan fight- training, mentoring and advising in all facets of Broadcasting and Strategic Communications.  He worked with President Karzai’s office,  the US Embassy in Afghanistan and for Gen John Allen at ISAF.   While at ISAF  he produced “Game Changing” video overviews and strategic communications work concerning Security Force Assistance (SFA) and Insider Threat (IT) solutions.  This work is saving lives everyday.
He was also a key member in building and developing Afghanistan’s Government Media and Information Center (GMIC) in its vital mission to prepare a generation of Afghan media managers with the skills needed to deliver messages of peace and stability in the war torn country of Afghanistan.  He has trained more than 3-hundred Afghans in the art of communications. Jack has 3 decades plus of civilian, military and documentary broadcasting experience.  He has produced powerful video work for Former Secretary of State GEN Colin Powell, Oliver North and President’s Bush and Clinton.

Jack is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel with extensive hands-on overseas, called back to active duty experience in: Desert Storm, Bosnia, Kosovo and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Jack’s commercial broadcasting experience includes stints as a Pentagon Correspondent and Producer for FOX News, Executive Producer at FOX Dallas, Texas, and Prepro Producer/Supervisor at WSVN Miami, Florida. In 2005, Jack was a coordinating producer and videographer for Nick and Jessica Simpson’s 2-hour ABC TV special, “TOUR OF DUTY.”  During that special Jack shot and edited a music video that aired worldwide.  And in 2006, Jack shot, edited, and produced with two Iraqi advisors a dynamic music video, “Baghdad My Love” a number one music video for almost a year.  The music video was part of the successful GEN David Petraeus “Surge” initiative.

Jack’s broadcasting career began as an NBC Page in New York.  He continues to seek out work that will inspire, educate, and empower audiences everywhere. Jack Pagano is an award-winning producer who creates impassioned productions.
“…No one wants peace more than a soldier, but no one wants to be tested more than a soldier…”

 Christian Christian Tujo, Oregon VP

Christian has over 14 years experience as a Registered Investment Advisor and Registered Securities Principal.  He holds a Master’s Degree in Finance from Golden Gate University 1998 and a Bachelors in Economics from Virginia Military Institute 1994.  He established and managed two Independent Financial Services Branches for Raymond James Financial and LPL Financial.  As a Branch Manager, Christian managed over 200 private and corporate accounts with assets in excess of $50M.  He crafted investment strategies including securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate assets.   Christian has served as a Financial Advisor at Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and Royal Bank of Canada.
Prior to his career in Financial Services, Christian served 13 years in the Air Force as a commissioned officer, being honorable discharged at the Rank of Major.  Christian led the Department of Defense mandated Tri-annual review of contract obligations valued at over $150M.  He commanded the 16th Expeditionary Support Squadron located at Rhein-Main AB Germany where he directed all phases of NATO stabilization force training for over 1,000 military personnel.  He also served as a Program Manager for Space and Weather Systems valued at over $70M.   Christian was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for his work with Base-wide Blood Drives at Nellis Air Force Base.  After completing his military obligations, Christian returned to his hometown of Portland Oregon.
Christian is an avid Masters Swimmer and was awarded All-American for his long distance swimming achievements including National Championships in the 10,000 Meter and 2 mile Cable Swims.  Christian has completed several open water swims including a 10,000 meter race in Sitka Alaska and the 11 mile Bridge Swim in the Willamette River.  Christian is a member of the Central Oregon Masters Swim Team, where he competes annually in Local, State and National Championship swim meets. He also serves as a USA Swimming Official.
Oregon Ranch Location Opening Up
Christian Tujo is teaming up with Christi “Wildcat” Hubbard to bring the Veteran Rescue Mission to Oregon. Veteran Rescue is a 501c3 nonprofit to use animal assisted therapy to assist veterans in their rehabilitation and reorientation through various services. My service will be the establishment of an animal rescue ranch here in Central Oregon. This facility will also board animals of dislocated Active Duty Personnel who are in deployment status with no place for a pet to stay. So many Veterans in Oregon will turn down opportunities to leave the streets because their animals are not allowed into low income housing projects. Not anymore! If someone decides to defend this country their loving animals will be defended as well! I’m in the process of acquiring a Ranch here in Central Oregon for this purpose for Veteran Rescue with the Slogan of “A Warrior’s Sanctuary”. 
Trey
Trey
Matthew Ragan Green, III “Trey”, Louisianna
EXPERIENCE:
Veteran Naval Officer with extensive experience in training, planning, and development with a solid background in science and interaction with foreign, state, and local law enforcement agencies as well as Safety Officer and HAZMAT training.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Experienced government advisor and seasoned liaison between multiple foreign and domestic government agencies and officials. More than twelve years experience in forensic laboratory management and implementation and enforcement of ISO Quality assurance standards. Proficient public speaker with strong written and oral communication skills.
SKILLS:
• More than thirteen (13) years of laboratory and teaching experience in forensic chemistry
• More than thirteen (13) years of experience in forensic laboratory management
• Experienced public speaker
• Adept at preparing and giving formal presentations, classes, and briefings
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Experience in liaising with multiple foreign and domestic government agencies and officials
• Extensive training and experience in the implementation of ISO quality assurance standards
• Trained as a HAZMAT technician and Site Safety Officer
• Proficient with Microsoft Powerpoint, Word, and Excel
• Intermediate verbal and written proficiency in German
• Some verbal and written proficiency in Arabic
Specialties: Teaching, Training
Public Speaking
Project and Program Management, Leadership
Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science
Contracting, Procurement

Tom CruzTom Cruz, Florida
Suicide Prevention Speaker and Veteran Counselor, Photographer




John Bazemore
John Bazemore, North Carolina
˜ john.bazemore@gmail.com
I am a decorated United States Army soldier looking for an opportunity to utilize my information technology and logistics skill sets. I am highly motivated to transfer twenty-one years of training and experience gained during my military career to a civilian organization.
Technical Skills
Hardware: Laptops, Desktops, tablets, NAS and external drives, media streamers, game systems, DVD, LCD, VOIP systems, RFID tracking systems
Software: Microsoft Office, photo/audio/video editing software, web surfing software, Anti-virus/firewall systems, backup and Barcode tagging systems
Operating Systems: Window and Ubuntu
UNITED STATES ARMY
IT Supervisor, Platoon Sergeant
  • Setup hardware, software and network systems in both secure and unsecure environments.
  • Implemented a database system to track procurement and stocking of day to day supplies and repair parts.
 Supply Sergeant
  • Managed up to 7000 items valued in excess of $51.5 million dollars.
  • Responsible for the maintenance, accounting, procurement, and disposition of supplies, property, and equipment.
  • Responsible for $80,000 of procurement with zero discrepancies.
Armor
  • Conducted Primary Marksmanship Instruction for multiple weapon systems.
  • Maintenance program supervisor and trainer for light weapon and crew serve weapon systems.
  • Secured and controlled weapons and ammunition in security areas.
Technical Experience
  • Built, installed, set-up, backed-up and repaired hardware and software, including virus removal
  • Install/repair cabling for phone, computer and TV components
  • Set-up WiFi and multi-media systems
  • Experience installing: line of site antennas, networked game systems, satellite and surround sound systems
Certifications
  • CompTIA A+ (2012)
  • CompTIA Network + (pending)
Robeson Community College 
  • Anticipate graduation in May 2015 with an Associated of Applied Science degree in Business Administration
  • Formed the Veterans’ Club and elected the first President of this student organization
  • Active participant in TRIO
Robert
           

Robert Wilson

President, Total e Technologies, Military Network'

MCP, CompTIA and USDOLETA Certified N.IT.A.S. Consultant'

PH: 859.428.8163 * E-Mail: Mil-Net@outlook.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/airbornecmldragon
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Airborne247th

Total e Technologies: 
e*Training e*Sourcing e*Consulting e*Apprenticeship 

 


 Registered Apprenticeship Community of Practice

The 21st Century Registered Apprenticeship Community of Practice is an online resource for stakeholders from throughout the Registered Apprenticeship system and its partners to share information and learn from your peers regarding the innovative strategies and partnerships being used to train U.S. workers. Registered Apprenticeship is a key component of our nation’s efforts to prepare American workers for successful, sustainable careers. This Community of Practice covers all things Registered Apprenticeship in industries ranging from the traditional, such as Construction and Manufacturing, to non-traditional industries using the “earn while you learn” model to train workers, including Healthcare, Renewable Energy, Transportation, and other growing industries.

https://21stcenturyapprenticeship.workforce3one.org/page/about

This online community is dedicated to 21st Century Registered Apprenticeship and its members and partners sharing one goal — developing and maintaining a strong training model for all industries in need of skilled workers and for all workers and job seekers needing a leg up to a better life and long-term career.

This Community of Practice
offers an easy way to find Apprenticeship resources, to speak to your peers nationwide, to access relevant training to support your efforts, and to stay engaged in the Apprenticeship community. Our success is dependent on you. To reach our goal, we need all Registered Apprenticeship stakeholders to join in the discussion and make it your community. Here you will find all kinds of information on Registered Apprenticeship including—but not limited to:

⦁    How to partner with the One-Stop System, Education and other Partners

⦁    Registered Apprenticeship 101 and WIA 101
⦁    Pre-Apprenticeships


⦁    New Models for Serving Targeted Populations (Veterans, Dislocated Workers, Youth, etc

.
⦁    News on Registered Apprenticeship here in the US and abroad



⦁    Blogs and Discussions on hot topics

⦁    Information for and about apprentices, sponsors, the workforce system, education partners and others


⦁    Pathways To Success tool for information on State-by-State Apprenticeship Opportunities

 

We hope you make this your go-to resource to share information and learn from your peers on all things Registered Apprenticeship. We will continue to find ways to make it a valuable resource for you and hope to make it a robust site that helps build a Registered Apprenticeship community that has something to offer for all of our stakeholders.

How do I get started? Contact me by email, providing accurate contact information, best time to reach you, etc.

 https://www.linkedin.com/grp/home?gid=59436




Great question. We recommend starting on our Homepage where you will find access to regularly updated blogs, videos, recent Registered Apprenticeship “In the News” items and much more. If you are looking for something specific, try our Resources Page, where you can search by keyword, by resource Topic, or by resource Type.
 

Registered Apprenticeship as one of the premier ways to ensure that American workers remain the best trained and most highly skilled workforce in the world.

About Registered Apprenticeship
These are tough economic times but there's never been a more exciting time for Registered Apprenticeship, the public workforce system, education and other partners to collaborate to get more Americans re-skilled and ready to compete for good-paying jobs as our nation recovers and puts people back to work.

Read More
This community of practice is a work in progress. To reach our goal, we need all Registered Apprenticeship stakeholders to join in and make it your community.

Get Involved
Comment on a blog, become a guest blogger, or share related documents. There are many ways to contribute and help grow your community. Get started now! 



National Information Technology Apprenticeship System (NITAS)
Under CompTIA’s administration, NITAS, National IT Apprenticeship System, enables employer organizations to build and develop their workforce using the time ­tested principles of apprenticeship. The NITAS program provides the methodology, infrastructure and industry skill standards required for the planning, delivery and management of both instructor­ led­ training (ILT), on­ the­ job learning (OJL) and business benefit attainment which are key aspects of the apprenticeship process.
21st Century apprenticeship system – reflects the state of the art in apprenticeship. The system was created jointly by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) to provide American corporations and American workers with the benefits of high productivity and economic value through voluntary participation in a nationally recognized and industry-validated system of apprenticeship.

A major objective of the NITAS program is to ensure that the U.S. IT workforce possesses the required skills and offers the necessary value to be competitive in a global economy. B2B (Business) B2C (Consumer)

– NITAS Programs – Apprenticeship programs designed to ensure the United States (U.S.) IT workforce maintains global competitive advantage'

– NITAS Provides * IT workforce development program for the U. S. Information Technology Industry.

* U.S. IT: Secure competitive advantage through increasing the productivity of your IT workforce in the shortest possible period of time.'''



Heidi-Marie Ferren, California

Ambassador
heidi@veteranrescue.org
Heidi Marie FerrenMISS USO 2009 to Present
ACTRESS, SINGER, DANCER, WRITER, IMPERSONATOR, COMEDIAN, INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER.
Actress/ Singer
  • Wonder Woman · 2010 to present
    HBO “Bored to Death” Super Ray’ with Ted Danson
    • MISS USO and USO LIBERTY BELLS
    • Television Actress and Commercial Actress
    • Writer and Director
    • Child actress and commercial actress
    • As a child. A Regular on “Romper Room”

  • USO
    MISS USO and USO Liberty Bell · Oct 2007 to present
    Sing, Dance, Speak for our Brave American Soldiers and their families.
    • Miss USO 2009 and Miss USO 2010
      2011 to present
      Uplifting and serving ALL of our Great American Soldiers Nationally and Internationally. Visiting Hospitals, Burn Centers,etc and Veterans. Doing Shows and Fundraisers to Help the USO help those Brave Soldiers who serve us. We are here to serve them!! God Bless the United States of America!!!
    • Match.Com National Commercial
    • Wonder Woman
      2010 to 2012
      with Ted Danson
  • Directed,written,actress-ONE WOMAN SHOWS
    Actress, Direct, Write · 2007 to present

Matthew Myers, Texas

matt@veteranrescue.org
VP of IT Specialist
Web consult/Security Specialist
Dog trainer
Matthew is a programmer and designer of games through his company. He has been interested in computers since he was young, teaching himself hardware and programming. Matthew understands numerous programming languages for website design and for game design and is a valuable security specialist as well as a programmer and web designer.

Melissa Vazquez, Texas

Secretary of Board
melissa@veteranrescue.org
webmaster@veteranrescue.org
Webmaster/Graphics designer
Office Manager, Secretary
Melissa works on the websites and graphics for the websites. She works alongside Matthew, providing the graphics to his code. She is experienced in Photoshop and has administrated many previous online communities and websites. She also manages the office and carries out many other miscellaneous duties.

Second Realm trilogy by Melissa Vazquez . The first book Shadow Assassins is available now!  
Shadow Assassins is available through Createspace (print) and Kindle (ebook):


Mark Mark Myers, Florida
mark@veteranrescue.org
 VP of IT Specialist
Web consult/Security Specialist
Computer Techs Castle, LLC is a computer company in Lake Mary, Florida, that serves individuals and businesses. We specialize in computer, server, and VoIP installations, though we also offer custom Ethernet cabling and computer repairs. In addition, we have Security Specialists that can provide all encompassing computer security and internet security services. With more than 15 years of experience, we provide quality service in order to exceed your expectations. Our customers choose us because of our affordable prices and top-of-the-line equipment.

We will be working with: Ft. Campbell and others in various locations throughout USA. VISN 8; Bay Pines VA; James A. Haley Veterans Hospital; Miami VA Healthcare System; Boca Raton CBOC; Bradenton Community Based Outpatient Clinic; Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Miami Outpatient Substance Abuse Clinic (OSAC); 3A RCS Southeast Regional Office; Fort Lauderdale vet Center; Miami Vet Center; Tampa Vet Center.

Coordination with Local Continuum (s) of Care
FL-500 Sarasota, Bradenton, Manatee Counties; FL-501 Hillsborough County; FL-502 Pinellas County; FL-600 Miami Dade County; FL-601 Ft. Lauderdale Broward County; FL-605 West Palm Beach County.

Veteran Rescue non-profit - 22 VETERANS EACH DAY!! PLEASE HELP!

About PTSD & Therapy

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Veteran Rescue offers education about PTSD and therapy options to cope with it. Learn here and about the services we offer.

What is PTSD?

According to Military Pathways, it is estimated that 11-20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, 10% of Gulf War Veterans, and 30% of Vietnam Veterans experience PTSD symptoms. Of the general American population 2.2% of the American population, ~ 7.7 million people, may have PTSD symptoms.
PTSD symptoms caused by witnessing or participating in a traumatic event can affect two people, standing side by side, differently. PTSD is rarely cured; it can be treated. Whether acute,’ chronic, or delayed, effective treatments can vary from wounded warrior to wounded warrior.
Physical, behavioral, and/or emotional symptoms can be helped tremendously by the presence of a well trained PTSD Working Support Dog. Anxiety, panic, fear, irritability, depression, withdrawal, isolation, hyper-vigilance, loss of trust, nightmares, reoccurring flashbacks, phobias of crowds, phones, email, stores, buildings, vehicles, unfamiliar people, insomnia, fatigue, pounding heart, migraines, difficulty concentrating, paranoia, sleepwalking, suicidal thoughts, anti social behavior, suspicion, poor self esteem are but some of the symptoms where a PTSD Working Support Dog has proved useful.

From VA’s National Center For PTSD

Words from Our Experts

For PTSD Awareness Day we asked experts at the National Center for PTSD what they would tell someone about PTSD. Here is what they had to say:
On trauma
  • Just because someone experiences a traumatic event does not mean they have PTSD.
  • Emotional responses to unexpected or life threatening events are common.
  • Strong social support following a traumatic event is one of the best predictors of who does well following trauma.
On PTSD treatment
  • PTSD treatment can help. Getting help early can prevent problems from getting worse.
  • Treatment is important for the person experiencing PTSD, yet it also helps the family and improves relationships.
  • No matter how long it’s been since your trauma, there’s good reason to think that you can get better.
Getting help is problem solving, not a sign of weakness. Take the step.

Learn from Others

Visit AboutFace, an online video gallery of Veterans talking about living with PTSD and how treatment turned their lives around.


National Center for PTSD MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT PTSD

Despite how common PTSD is, both inside and outside of the military, many myths and misperceptions about the condition persist.
Despite how common PTSD is, both inside and outside of the military, many myths and misperceptions about the condition persist.

Nightmares, hyper-vigilance, a feeling of always being on-edge, and the resulting short-temper and disconnection from those around you; these are just a few of the classic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which will affect 8 percent of the American population as a whole in their lifetime. Despite how common PTSD is, both inside and outside the military, many myths and misperceptions about the condition persist. In this first of a two part series, we help separate fact from fiction.

1. PTSD isn’t real, it’s all in their heads: PTSD is a very real reaction to witnessing or experiencing trauma, and does not always develop right away, sometimes manifesting hours, days, months or years afterwards, and can re-emerge after recovery, triggered by events such as anniversaries of the trauma. It is a change to how the brain functions and how you view the world. As such, PTSD as a whole has sometimes been explained as a way in which you process the trauma, learning from it and working through it after the danger has passed and survival mode is no longer limiting your perspectives.
2. Only weak people get PTSD: False! Even the strongest of people can suffer from PTSD. Indeed, several military leaders and Medal of Honor recipients have come forward to let others know that they had PTSD and have recovered.

3. If you haven’t been wounded, then you shouldn’t have PTSD: You don’t need to have been wounded to suffer from PTSD, as it often manifests itself after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. One prime example of this was the civilians who were part of the September 11th rescue crews who developed PTSD following months of picking through rubble to locate bodies, even though they weren’t physically harmed.

4. If PTSD were real, then everyone who has experienced a trauma would have it: Not everyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event will suffer from PTSD, as research indicates that each individual exposed to a trauma has their own set of risk factors for potentially developing PTSD, some of which are genetics, past history of other traumas and the degree or duration of their exposure to traumatic events. It is important to emphasize here that while not all people will develop PTSD in response to a trauma; this makes it no less real or valid for those who do experience it.
If you or someone you know is or might be suffering from PTSD, don’t be afraid to reach out and make the connection. Resources from the National Directory (NRD),the Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as well as the Services’ wounded warrior programs: Navy Safe Harbor, Army Wounded Warrior (AW2), Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2), the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment (USMCWWR) and the USSOCOM Care Coalition can help get you started on your way to recovery. In addition, check this blog as well as our Facebook and Twitter pages for more information and tips about PTSD throughout the rest of the month. Finally, there is hope:  PTSD does not and will not define you, and with some help, it is a hurdle that you can and will overcome.

MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT PTSD

According to Harold Cohen, PH.D

MYTH: PTSD is only seen in people with ‘weak characters€™ who are unable to cope with difficult situations in the same way that most of us do.

FACT: PTSD is a human response to markedly abnormal situations, and it involves specific chemical changes in the brain that occur in response to a person experiencing a traumatic event. Many of the symptoms of PTSD seem to be a direct result of such brain changes.

MYTH: All of us have been through frightening experiences and have a least one symptom of PTSD as a result of that experience.

FACT: Thought memories of frightening experiences may be similar to symptoms of PTSD, most persons do not have the severity of symptoms or impairment associated with PTSD. The specific brain based responses seen in PTSD differ from those seen in normal anxiety. Similarly, the experiences of normal anxiety and of PTSD are markedly different.

MYTH: Stress reactions to trauma exist, but these should not be considered as a serious medical problem.

FACT: PTSD is a medical disorder that can sometimes cause serious disability. Persons with PTSD often also have co-occurring mood, anxiety, and substance-related disorders. In addition, these people may have significant difficulty at their job, in their personal relationships or other social interactions.
 http://veteranrescue.org/about-ptsd